Detroit Water and Sewerage workers go on strike

October 2, 2012

DETROIT – Despite a judge’s order to return to work, about 50 Detroit Water and Sewerage Department employees continued to strike outside the department’s wastewater plant Monday, The Detroit News reported.

According to union attorneys, the workers are protesting against a plan to reduce 81% of the workforce over five years.

A U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday ordering the employees to work.

Under state law, it is illegal for public employees to strike and the workers could lose their jobs, the article stated.

"The strike will continue," Michael Mulholland, AFSCME Local 207 secretary treasurer, said in a statement. "The workers have been demanding better staffing, training and equipment to improve water quality for years, and management has always lent a deaf ear. Now, with the disingenuous claim of ''environmental protection,'' they are simply union-busting and privatizing."